PRESS RELEASE

May 12, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Eva Volin, Supervising Children’s Librarian, (510) 747-7705

Alameda Free Library’s Food for Fines Program

Find a library book under your bed? Forget to bring a DVD back on time? Now is your chance to clear your library fines while helping others by donating food to people in need during Alameda Free Library’s Food for Fines program.

The Alameda Free Library is offering a fine amnesty period from Thursday, June 8 through Saturday, July 8, 2017. During this time, anyone with an Alameda Free Library card can have their fines waived in exchange for nonperishable boxed or canned food, which will be donated to the Alameda Food Bank.

Food items should be brought to the check-out desk at any of the three Alameda libraries during open hours. There is no minimum food donation requirement or limit to the amount of overdue fines that can be waived per account; however, food donations will not waive any accrued collection or lost material fees. A list of accepted food items can be viewed online at alamedaca.gov/library/food-fines2017 or at any branch location.

A fine amnesty program has not been offered since 2013. Library Director Jane Chisaki says she is proud and excited to offer this program. “The chance to waive overdue fines doesn’t happen very often, so I hope the Alameda community takes advantage of this opportunity. Library patrons will be able to enjoy using their library cards free of fines and the Alameda Food Bank will have a fresh, well stocked supply of food for those in need.” Everyone in the community, regardless of fines, is encouraged to donate food at the library.

A collaboration between the Alameda Free Library and the Alameda Food Bank, this community food drive presents a great opportunity for residents to give back to the community and take advantage of the great materials and programs the Library offers, such as computer classes, homework coaching, music, movies, storytimes, and of course Summer Reading.

Open six days a week, the Alameda Food Bank serves over 5,600 individuals a year. This results in the depletion of the food bank’s inventories and food is needed that will ensure healthy, balanced meals. By collecting at least two thousand pounds of canned and non-perishable foods in return for waived fines, the Alameda Free Library community will help feed at least 80 Alameda families.

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Community Calendar announcement:         

Food for Fines, an opportunity to clear library fines in exchange for donated non-perishable canned foods, is going on from June 8 – July 8 at all three Alameda Free Library locations. For more information call 747-7777 or visit www.alamedafree.org.